During our travels, my wife and I always include museum tours in our itinerary, and I remember the experiences best that were led by a Docent. The Docent seemed to give meaningful background and expand the context of what I was seeing and experiencing.
The Evansville Museum Docent Association was recruiting volunteers and I answered their posts. After talking to the staff, I learned the details about the process and their willingness to accommodate my schedule. During the same time-period, I had taken advantage of the “Free Admission” Saturday at the local museums to see what other opportunities were available before I made a decision on where I would volunteer. I soon realized I did not think I would be happy doing the same thing over and over. When my interest changed, I would need to find a new group to work with and start all over with the process somewhere else.
However, at the Evansville Museum, I learned that I would be trained to give guided tours to a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and on a variety of subjects in a variety of settings. I realized I could become that Docent who would give meaning to their museum experience.
While becoming a Docent I was able to further my education on subjects that interested me, and I was able to meet the actual artist of a work that the Museum had on display, and meet subject matter experts along the way. During the process, I learned about Mr. William McCurdy and his contributions to our area. When I see students on tour, I encourage them to consider him for the subject of one of their many research papers.
As a Docent at the Evansville Museum, I have met so many new and interesting people with diverse backgrounds. We work on projects together, and provide support for the Museum’s programs, And I was able to receive the benefit of their knowledge and experiences along the way. They have become so much more than just another member of the same group. So, I guess I did choose wisely.
